One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Feta & Olives

Juicy, tender chicken baked in one pan with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, lemon, Mediterranean herbs, and creamy crumbled feta. This easy, flavorful dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a healthy family meal.
Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Cooking Method: Oven-baked
• Diet: Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb
  Ingredients
  For the Chicken
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 pounds) or 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  For the Mediterranean Vegetables
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• ½ small red onion, sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered (optional)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
  For the Feta Topping
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving
  Instructions
  Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe baking dish with a little olive oil.
  Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
  Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
  In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables
  Place the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, bell pepper, and optional artichoke hearts in the baking dish.
  Add the capers, if using, and pour in the chicken broth. Toss the vegetables gently with the remaining olive oil and seasonings.
  Step 4: Add the Chicken
  Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts among the vegetables in a single layer.
  Spoon some of the tomato mixture over the chicken to help keep it moist and flavorful.
  Step 5: Bake the Chicken
  Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
  The chicken should be nearly cooked through, and the tomatoes should begin to soften and release their juices.
  Step 6: Add the Feta Cheese
  Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
  Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the feta is warmed, the vegetables are tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point.
  If you prefer lightly golden feta, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
  Step 7: Garnish and Serve
  Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil. Serve with lemon wedges and spoon the flavorful tomato, olive, and feta juices over each chicken breast.
  Enjoy warm with your favorite Mediterranean side dish.
  Nutrition Information
  Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings using chicken breasts and the listed ingredients.
• Calories: 390–440 kcal
• Protein: 43–48 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 9–12 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2–3 g
• Net Carbohydrates: 7–10 g
• Total Fat: 20–24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6–8 g
• Sugar: 4–6 g
• Sodium: 800–1,100 mg
  Nutrition values are estimates and vary with chicken size, feta, olives, broth, and the amount of salt used.
  Nut Information and Allergen Details
• Tree nuts: No tree nuts are included in the standard recipe.
• Peanuts: No peanuts are included.
• Dairy: Contains feta cheese.
• Gluten: Naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients, including broth and seasonings, are verified gluten-free.
• Potential allergens: Check packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings and unexpected additives.
  Nut-free option: The standard recipe does not require nuts. If preparing it for someone with a severe nut allergy, check all labels and prevent cross-contact with utensils, cookware, and preparation surfaces.
  Tips for the Best Mediterranean Baked Chicken

1. Choose evenly sized chicken breasts: This helps every piece cook at the same rate.
2. Don’t skip the lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the salty olives and creamy feta.
3. Use good-quality feta: Block feta crumbled by hand often has a better texture and flavor.
4. Avoid overcooking: Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Adjust the salt: Feta, olives, and capers already contain plenty of sodium.
6. Add extra vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or sliced yellow bell peppers work well.
7. Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
   Serving Suggestions
   Serve this Mediterranean chicken with:

• Lemon-herb rice or quinoa
• Roasted potatoes
• Greek cucumber and tomato salad
• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
• Warm pita bread
• Cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate option
• Hummus and grilled vegetables
  Storage and Reheating
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
• Oven reheating: Cover and warm at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
• Microwave reheating: Heat in short intervals, adding a spoonful of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
  Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
  Questions & Answers (Q&A)
  Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
  Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay juicier. Cooking time may vary depending on their size and thickness.
  Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
  Thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before preparing this recipe. Pat it dry before seasoning for better flavor and texture.
  Q3: Can I make this recipe without feta cheese?
  Yes. You can omit the feta or replace it with a suitable dairy-free cheese alternative. The chicken will still be flavorful from the garlic, lemon, olives, and herbs.
  Q4: Are Kalamata olives necessary?
  No. You can substitute black olives or green olives, although the flavor will be slightly different.
  Q5: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
  It can fit many low-carb meal plans because it contains relatively few carbohydrates. The exact amount depends on the vegetables and serving size.
  Q6: Is this Mediterranean chicken gluten-free?
  Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Verify the labels on broth, spices, and other packaged ingredients.
  Q7: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
  Yes. Season the chicken and prepare the vegetables up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Keep raw chicken refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
  Q8: How do I keep the chicken moist?
  Use evenly sized pieces, avoid overbaking, and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  Q9: Can I add spinach to this recipe?
  Absolutely. Stir in 2–3 cups of fresh spinach during the final 5 minutes of baking so it wilts without becoming overly soft.
  Q10: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
  Yes. Omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. Check the substitute’s label for allergens.
  Q11: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
  Vegetable broth or water with a little extra lemon juice can work. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you want to control the salt.
  Q12: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
  Yes. Divide the chicken and vegetables into individual containers with some of the pan juices. Refrigerate promptly and reheat thoroughly before eating.
  Q13: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
  Yes, if your air fryer accommodates an oven-safe dish. Arrange the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding, cook at approximately 375°F (190°C), and check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will depend on thickness and your appliance.
  Q14: Does this recipe contain nuts?
  No. The standard recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts. Always check ingredient labels and prevent cross-contact if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
  Q15: What makes this dish Mediterranean?
  It combines olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and feta—ingredients commonly associated with Mediterranean-style cooking.
  Enjoy your One-Pan Mediterranean Baked Chicken with Feta & Olives—a simple, colorful, protein-rich dinner with fresh lemon, savory olives, and delicious roasted vegetables!